Shanghai, October 9 (Daily Kiran) : In a surprising turn of events at the Shanghai Masters, Hubert Hurkacz triumphed over former world number one Novak Djokovic, winning in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. This victory marks Hurkacz’s first win against Djokovic in nine attempts.
Continuing his impressive record at the Shanghai Masters, Hurkacz dominated the match with a powerful serve and aggressive play, preventing Djokovic from mounting a comeback. The Polish player has now secured eight consecutive victories at this tournament, having won it in 2023.
Djokovic appeared physically challenged, playing his sixth match in just ten days after recently clinching the title at the China Open. Hurkacz maintained pressure throughout the match, showcasing his strong service game and effective baseline strategies.
After the match, Hurkacz expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s a special night. I’ve been playing against Novak for almost seven years without success, but he has been a great champion all these years. Competing against someone of his caliber is always a challenge, but sharing the court with such a legend is a joy.”
With this win, Hurkacz becomes the fourth male player to record at least one victory against all three of tennis’s greats: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic on hard courts. He joins the ranks of Andy Murray, Dominic Thiem, and Alexander Zverev in achieving this milestone.
Both players arrived at the second round of the Shanghai Masters in excellent form, having reached the finals in their respective tournaments in China this year. While Djokovic celebrated his 102nd tour-level title in Beijing, Hurkacz faced a defeat in the Chengdu Open final.
In this high-stakes match, Hurkacz appeared fitter and more refreshed. He displayed remarkable composure under pressure, saving both break points he faced and breaking Djokovic’s serve twice, maintaining control throughout the encounter.
Hurkacz remarked, “It was crucial to stay with Novak at the start because if he gets ahead, he plays exceptionally well, making it tough to come back. I was a bit nervous at the end, but I focused on my game and what I needed to do. I’m pleased with my performance.”
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